West Hall grad Atkinson will not play football at Georgia

Tight end was late addition to Bulldogs' 2014 signing class

ATHENS — West Hall graduate Hunter Atkinson has decided not to pursue a football career at the University of Georgia, the school announced Wednesday in a press release.

The 6-foot-5, 250-pound tight end was an 11th-hour addition to the Bulldogs' signing class in February. He originally committed to the University of Cincinnati, but changed his plans after receiving a late offer from Georgia less than 24 hours before he was set to sign with the Bearcats.

Atkinson hauled in 51 receptions for 704 yards and 11 touchdowns during his senior season with the Spartans in 2013.

Now he will "concentrate on opportunities associated with his long term career goals," according to the press release.

“Georgia is a great school with both athletic and academic opportunities and I want to thank Coach Richt and the other coaches for their interest and all they have done for me over the past few months. I realized I have other career goals and want to pursue those interests," Atkinson said.

“We will miss Hunter in our freshman class but understand his decision and wish him nothing but the best in achieving his career objectives,” UGA head coach Mark Richt said.